Web development. GIFHE

Grimsby Institute of Higher Education (GIFHE) website required upgrading/modernising the website with integrating a multiuser-based Content Management System and new features as per the specification below, to address scalability and ease of website management.

Original task. - New website to increase its strategic value by encouraging people (current and potential students) to contact GIFHE, review and/or request information, take part in discussions, contributing comments/opinions and/or becoming a member/subscriber. The new website to provide a wealth of supporting information that will bolster the effectiveness of marketing and sales campaigns, new courses and event launches. And it must be a core component of ongoing communications with key audiences. The new website to be become core marketing and communications tool, that people will increasingly judge GIFHE by the value and benefits its site delivers.

Sample screenshot of the new homepage

Functional requirements

1. Multi-lingual capability for outputting content in more than 1 language.
2. ‘Category and sub-category’ structured website as per Taxonomy.
3. Banner management system (dynamic);
4. News section per chapter (dynamic);
5. Events diary per chapter (dynamic);
6. “Quick contacts” sections (dynamic);
7. “Useful Resources” sections (dynamic);
8. Static pages, as necessary;
9. Category (chapter) management)
10. Article (page) editor.
11. User/group based rights for sections;
12. User management system;
13. Image upload (gallery) / image size manipulation;
14. Video upload / manipulation (output via Flash Player);
15. Upload and present audio podcasts;
16. Course Search (although this will be fed from current MIS system) but styled according to current site stylesheet;
17. Social networking as a separate system that will integrate with VLE;
18. HR module for publishing vacancies and collecting resumes.
19. Non-English content will be populated by the GIFHE.

Benefits

• Increased market share and audience reach;
• Subsequently more attractive statistics for advertisers;
• User base trends and patterns and marketing information;
• GIFHE brand evolution and development;
• Attractive for generating new partnerships, volume of sales and revenue.
• Ease of use and management.
• Scalability.